A Disturbing Discovery at Mount Moriah Cemetery
The recent theft of human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery has left many people shocked and worried. The cemetery, a historic site with over 180,000 graves, has been neglected for years. It's a place where families have buried their loved ones for generations, and now, many of those graves have been disturbed.
The Accused
The man accused of these crimes, Jonathan Christian Gerlach, is said to have broken into multiple burial sites over several months. He allegedly used tools to pry open caskets and remove remains from at least 26 different locations. The damage left behind includes:
- Broken caskets
- Crumbled marble
- Discarded tools
Neglect and Security Concerns
The cemetery's poor condition made it easy for Gerlach to go unnoticed. Large sections are overgrown and rarely monitored, providing him with the isolation he needed to carry out his crimes. This has raised serious concerns about the security and upkeep of the cemetery.
Calls for Change
Local officials and cemetery advocates are now pushing for changes to prevent such incidents in the future. They are calling for:
- Better security measures
- Repairing dilapidated fencing
- Launching random patrols
- Installing cameras
However, the cost of these improvements is significant, and the cemetery's volunteer-driven nonprofit, Friends of Mount Moriah, is struggling to find the necessary funds.
A Profound Violation
The theft of human remains is not only a crime but also a profound violation of the respect and dignity that the deceased and their families deserve. It's a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining and protecting our historic cemeteries.
